PUT IN ONE'S PLACE

{v. phr.}, {informal} To criticize someone for impolite boldness; remind someone of low rank or position; reduce someone's unsuitable pride; deflate. * /The assistant was trying to take command when the professor put him in his place by saying, "No, I'm the boss here."/ * /She was a teacher who could put a troublemaker in his place with just a glance./ Syn.: CUT DOWN TO SIZE.